[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H4077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                        IN HONOR OF TODD VENETTE

  (Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a great 
American, Todd Venette, whose life was cut short by a terrorist attack 
in Iraq.
  Todd, a former Marine, was helping Iraq's young democracy as a 
government contractor when he was killed by a terrorist car bomb in 
Baghdad. As his friends and family would tell you, Todd was a selfless 
person who volunteered to reenlist shortly after the war in Iraq 
started. When he completed his tour, his dedication to the mission led 
him to return to Iraq as a government contractor.
  A giving person, a mentor, and a servant are among the words that 
have been used to describe Todd. As a firefighter in Russellville, 
Arkansas. Todd helped protect the community. His service to the people 
of Russellville did not end there. Todd was instrumental in 
establishing a wrestling program for kids at the local Boys and Girls 
Club, putting his talents to work as a mentor to shape the lives of 
young people of Russellville in a positive way.
  Mr. Speaker, Todd touched many people in his short life. I ask my 
colleagues to keep Todd's family and friends in their thoughts and 
prayers during these very difficult times.

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